gabapentin bad for brain gabapentin shortness of breath reddit

But recently I've read some studies about gabapentin possibly having long-term negative effects on the brain. Some papers say that it's bad for children and fetuses because it blocks synaptogenesis, but safe for adults because mature brains don't really form new synapses. Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) is a medicine used to treat partial seizures, nerve pain from shingles and restless leg syndrome. It works on the chemical messengers in your brain and nerves. Gabapentin is from a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. Gabapentin works its magic by calming overactive nerves in the brain. It’s like a gentle hand soothing a frazzled mind, bringing relief to those who’ve long suffered. But here’s the rub: our brains are intricate machines, and tinkering with one part can have unexpected effects on others. Gabapentin's precise mechanism of action is not fully understood. However, researchers believe it works by affecting the way that nerves send messages to your brain. More specifically, gabapentin is thought to bind to a subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. Gabapentin affects the brain by calming nerve activity. For those with epilepsy, it helps prevent seizures by reducing abnormal electrical activity. It also soothes nerve pain, relieving postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles) or restless leg syndrome. In the brain, acetylcholine is involved in learning and memory. In the rest of the body, it stimulates the autonomic nerves—those that regulate contractions of blood vessels, airways, and our cardiovascular and digestive systems. Gabapentin works by “slowing the brain down.” If you take gabapentin with other medications or substances that slow down the brain, dangerous effects can occur. This includes slowed breathing, confusion, and extreme sleepiness. And the risk is higher for people with existing breathing problems. When I talked to the doctor about gabapentin side effects, he said he knew about them but didn’t want to scare me off taking it! I stopped taking gabapentin and got my brain back. Then I started a regimen of targeted stretching and diet changes, along with some chiropractic care. My back has never felt better. Gabapentin enacarbil (brand name Horizant) is a prodrug of gabapentin that has been designed to overcome the limitations of gabapentin, such as poor absorption and a short duration of action. It requires hydrolyzation in the gastrointestinal tract to become active. Gabapentin belongs to the group of medicines known as anticonvulsants. 2. Upsides Gabapentin is fairly safe when you use it correctly. It does come with some possible side effects, though. People who misuse this drug are also at risk of additional side effects. Gabapentin is Gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are both gabapentinoids—psychotropic medications that cross the blood-brain barrier and mimic the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Gabapentin was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 as an adjunctive treatment for partial seizures. In 2002 Overall, the risk of being hospitalized with altered mental status after initiating gabapentin remains low, but may be reduced through the judicious use of gabapentin, use of the lowest dose to control pain, and vigilance for early signs of altered mental status. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking gabapentin: More common in children. Some side effects of gabapentin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Gabapentin can be an effective treatment for brain damage symptoms such as neuropathy, seizures, and autonomic dysfunction. However, it is not without side effects or risks. Therefore, consult with your doctor carefully before trying it, and alert your doctor immediately if any side effects appear. Doctors often prescribe gabapentin to prevent epilepsy-related seizures and nerve pain. It is generally safe but can have side effects, including blurred vision and behavior changes. Gabapentin is a prescription medication known as a gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue. GABA reduces the excitability of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, which play a role in seizures and the transmission of pain signals. Gabapentin mirrors the effects of GABA calming excited neurons. If gabapentin is the lead singer in your medication band, other drugs might be playing backup vocals or even trying to steal the spotlight. For example, combining gabapentin with certain benzodiazepines could amplify sedative effects and potentially increase the risk of cognitive impairment. It’s crucial to keep your healthcare provider in In people with partial seizures, gabapentin works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain. Experts believe gabapentin may cause brain cells to produce more of a chemical called GABA, which reduces abnormal electrical activity of brain cells. Some individuals report experiencing cognitive issues with long-term gabapentin use, such as difficulty concentrating, memory loss, or mental fog. These effects can be particularly concerning for individuals who rely on clear thinking for their work or daily tasks. 5. Is gabapentin bad for the brain? Studies suggest that using gabapentin and pregabalin for epilepsy control is associated with an increased risk of dementia, and the effect appears to be lifelong. Additionally, gabapentin therapy is associated with a tangible decline in memory, executive function, and attention in individuals with spinal cord

gabapentin bad for brain gabapentin shortness of breath reddit
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